Director of Annual Giving

Position Summary:

The Director of Annual Giving will direct and manage University Advancement Annual Giving donor engagement efforts seeking to move donors to increased levels of participation. This position has the option for Hybrid work, and can be primarily based on the Marion, Indianapolis, or Fort Wayne campuses as needed.

University Advancement

University Advancement’s mission is to build and steward lifelong relationships that foster transformational and sustainable impact. Advancement’s vision is to create opportunities for people to through time, talent, and treasure in support of students, capital projects, and operations that allow IWU to serve and support the IWU community with excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop short- and long-range annual giving plans, setting goals and objectives in alignment with the University’s Strategic Plan to steadily improve revenue, donor acquisition, alumni participation, and donor retention. Conduct ongoing evaluations, identifying and recommending adjustments to enhance these results.
• Oversee the creation and implementation of all annual giving appeals, supervising the development, production, and distribution of related materials.
• Design and lead a comprehensive, multi-channel annual giving program utilizing direct mail, phone, reunion giving, parent giving, giving days, phonathon-style initiatives, and web-based engagement.
• Guide segmentation, messaging, and stewardship strategies to strengthen donor retention, encourage re-engagement, and drive upgrades in giving levels.
• Promote a culture of philanthropy by engaging staff, faculty, students, and alumni in giving initiatives and donor education.
• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to communicate compelling donor engagement stories that highlight the role of alumni, parents, and grandparents in supporting IWU students.
• Develop and execute strategies to drive participation and broaden support, including giving society membership growth and faculty, staff, and employee giving.
• Collaborate with the Development team to support pipeline building and identify major gift prospects for referral and cultivation. May assume responsibility for a portfolio of up to 30 leadership-level annual donors, depending on program needs.
• May assume responsibility for overseeing support staff as the program expands and operational needs increase.
• Manage a reporting system that provides regular analysis of annual giving effectiveness on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Ensure timely, personalized donor acknowledgment and annual giving stewardship processes.
• Maintain accurate donor records and prospect activity within the University’s CRM system.
• Serve as an IWU ambassador with a high level of integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality; maintain a positive image with constituents and the university community while demonstrating a lifestyle consistent with the values and ethos of IWU.
• Manage the Annual Giving budget.
• Complete other tasks as assigned.

Commitment to IWU:

According to Indiana Wesleyan University's employment policy, all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement. We seek an employee with passion for Indiana Wesleyan University, its mission, and values.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s preferred.
• Minimum of three years of Annual Giving or equivalent marketing experience.

Knowledge

• Principles of fundraising, donor acquisition, and donor retention.
• Annual giving strategies, including campaign planning and fundraising event management.
• Donor communications, stewardship, and constituent engagement practices.
• Data analytics and fundraising metrics.

Essential Skills and Characteristics

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ownership mentality with the ability to work independently and see tasks through to completion.
• Capacity to prioritize and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving ability, and keen attention to detail.
• Familiarity with data analytics and fundraising metrics.

Special Requirements

• Availability to attend evening and weekend events.

Location

• Position is on-site at the Marion, IN campus

DEPARTMENT: Advancement Operations

POSITION STATUS: Administrative (Full-Time)

POSITION REPORTS TO: Assistant Vice President for University Advancement

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is a Christ-centered academic community committed to changing the world by developing students in character, scholarship, and leadership. Founded in 1920 as Marion College, IWU has grown into a university that has equipped more than 100,000 alumni with the foundation to excel in their callings.

In 1985, IWU expanded its mission by serving non-residential adult learners—students whose potential had often been overlooked. This bold step of faith multiplied the reach of an IWU education, offering convenient, affordable, and high-quality degree programs through innovative curricular and delivery models. In 2009, IWU established Wesley Seminary, the denomination’s only seminary, which has since prepared more than 1,600 Christian leaders for local and global ministry.

Through innovation, disciplined stewardship, and a deep commitment to faith, IWU has achieved world-class facilities, a strengthened endowment, and a distinctive level of financial sustainability. Coupled with its focus on spiritual formation and transformative experiences, IWU holds a unique place in American higher education.

Today, IWU serves more than 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students through residential, online, and onsite programs, while Wesley Seminary enrolls more than 700 students. Guided by a Board of Trustees committed to innovation, IWU advances through its Momentum Plan—12 strategic initiatives designed to ensure IWU remains the Christ-centered university of choice for generations to come.

To Apply

Nominations and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to Gonser Gerber Search at search@gonsergerber.com. To apply, please submit a cover letter, résumé, and three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted until later in the search process.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2). The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.